hootch62's Profile

The Central on Summer is easier for my to reach so I had been going there more often. I had drawn the conclusion that they had the best dry ribs in the city. Had to head downtown so made a stop at Cozy Corner. I'm not sure anymore - again. Both places I prefer the dry to the wet though I may use some sauce.

Last time at BBQ shop the sandwich was just okay. It has been awhile for the ribs. Payne's on Lamar is my favorite still.

I agree on Gus'. I have eaten at three of the franchises; downtown, Mendenhall and Collierville; and I think downtown is the best of the three. I still have to take a long lunch and head to Mason.

I always appreciate when people come back with their thoughts after posting a question.

I was a through and through Cozy Corner ribs guy (Payne's on Lamar for sandwich), but Central BBQ's dry ribs have won me over. They have a variety of sauces. My preferred is the hot sauce which is nit really too hot.

Now it seems I will have to pop up to Summer Ave to get ribs for lunch today.

I have eaten at Flight a couple of times and enjoyed my meals. There are some items that were stronger than others but I enjoy trying different dishes.

I had the scallop dish both times and it's one of the best I have had anywhere. On the last visit the gazpacho with watermelon was excellent and the elk loin was really good too.

I have only been to Iris once and want to go back again. The raviolo was just okay to me. The red wine vinegar and brown butter sauce overwhelmed the rib meat in the raviolo. The deconstructed cassoulet was great and interesting.

Another midtown restaurant I like is Tsunami. It's small. Ben Smith is very creative.

About BBQ - Some of the best places in Memphis are in rougher areas and are not open late. To me Payne's has the best sandwich in Memphis. Mrs. Payne is usually at the Lamar location. Cozy Corner is in the downtown area. It's known for its ribs and barbecue cornish hen.

Corky's is well known. I tend to like their sides better than their barbecue. The nearest one is on the other side of Memphis on poplar. Another touristy place nearby is the Rendevous. It's off an alley across from the Peabody. Not my favorite meal and more atmosphere in my opinion. The Barbecue Shop and Central are both good with a personal preference for the latter.

Spent a few nights there a coupleof weeks ago. In general I find the food choices limited, but I like the casual non crowded atmosphere.

Our most recent foray included King Neptune's listed just above. It's good. but I prefer Doc's Seafood Shack a little more for the same type of atmosphere. Stick to the basics in either and you won't be disappointed - fired shrimp or fish, steamed royal reds, gumbo. You will need to get there early for either one.

I also liked Original Oyster House. There is a wider variety of food. I thought the Mahi by da Bayou was good. Blackened mahi with fried crawfish tails and taro cream sauce. There is also a shrimp dish with garlic butter, parmesan and bacon.

Another place we wnet was Lulu's. Wait was a bit excessive to me. It seems to be more of a happening. Still my fried blue crab claws were pretty decent.

Earlier this month I spent two nights in Orange Beach. Since I use these boards to identify places to eat I thought I'd provide a report.

The first night we had dinner at Docs which has been discussed on this board. For those that have read the reviews, heed the advice to arrive early or wait. We arrived a little before five and a couple of minutes later a line had started.

I had a cup of the gumbo and a pound of the steamed royal reds. The gumbo was good as were the royal reds. I thought the garlic butter overwhelmed the sweetness of the shrimp somewhat. I mixed up batch of cocktail sauce that let he shrimp shine. I like the option of making the cocktail to suit your tastes. I also stole a couple of hush puppies from my kids. They were very good also. My wife had the fried shrimp and gave it a thumbs up.

The second night we went to the Perdido Key Oyster Bar. Technically this is in Florida but it's not too far from Orange Beach. The restaurant is on the second floor with a wrap around porch. We sat out on the porch from where we could see the intercoastal. The view wasn't as nice as the gulf but the prices weren't as high either.

I started with a cup of gumbo again. It may be my palette but I preferred the Perdido gumbo over Docs. Both were good though. I also had the fried fish and shrimp. The fish was flounder. It had light breading and was cooked correctly. Very good. The shrimp were good too. I had my own hush puppies this time. They had a little too much green pepper which was about the only thing I could tatse. My wife had the fried shrimp again. Her vote was for Docs on a head to head basis.